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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Husband’s hobby destroying marriage

232 replies

Bella8209 · 22/06/2024 23:03

Im wondering how much a partners hobby is too much? I’d like to know if I’m being unreasonable. He has a hobby which takes him out 2-3 evenings a week, sometimes more and usually one full day of a weekend, sometimes 2 over the summer months. He works 4 days a week. We’ve 2 primary age kids . I work 3 days a week in a pretty physically demanding job and have to do all the housework, meal prep, shopping, organise kids for school plus extra activities such as swimming/dancing/brownies etc. He’ll do chores if I ask when he’s here but if the house is in a state or there’s washing piling up, he never takes initiative to help. I’m absolutely drowning. I brought it up tonight again and was flabbergasted at his response. He doesn’t think the amount he’s out is excessive? So I’m starting to wonder if I’m being unreasonable? I have a hobby which takes me out for 90 mins once a fortnight. But I don’t always get to that if he’s not home from work in time. This isn’t new this year, it’s been like this for years, but I’m just worn down more than ever. I really don’t want to tear the family apart but I feel I’d be happier on my own with the kids. How much is too much to be our? How often are other’s husbands out?

OP posts:
MrsCooper84 · 25/06/2024 09:05

I don’t think you should try and match his amount of time out of the house as I feel these kind of ‘games’ could impact your children. However, something needs to change, as this guy reeks of someone like a ‘Facebook dad’. The kind who shows his family off at events but behind the scenes, isn’t present.
Honestly, you sound very defeated and I don’t blame you. Have a look at your finances and see how you would be with just yourself and your kids xx

eastegg · 25/06/2024 09:55

bobster31 · 24/06/2024 18:37

I'm guessing cricket.

I thought that but then it sounds like more of an all-year, or most of the year, thing.

Atsocta · 25/06/2024 10:10

Kjpt140v · 25/06/2024 00:52

Are you sure he has a hobby?

I wondered that too …

leopardski · 25/06/2024 10:15

OP my husband was the same (but not as bad - one evening and one full weekend day each week) but he also works shifts, so often works late, and the hobby frequently left him in the minor injuries unit too!!!
It was hard work as I appreciate people need hobbies, even more so when kids arrive. We need that break and time to ourselves. But we had conversations about how his chosen hobby was leaving so much more of the household and kids tasks to me. He left his club very recently, he’s bought a bike to give cycling a go instead haha. But that’s something he’ll be able to take the kids along too, etc - we’ve tried to reframe hobbies now as something that could involve everyone rather than always being a solo thing. I like running, and take the kids to junior parkrun for example but still get out on my own.

Anyway - in a nutshell we had a big conversation about it and he’s stepped away. The demands of home and kids should be shared and if that isn’t happening his hobby needs to change!!

Wantitalltogoaway · 25/06/2024 12:52

Diddlyumptious · 25/06/2024 08:16

Nothing to add except like a lot of woman before you, whatever decision you take it will be the right one for you and the children. You are strong. Your DH however would be lost without you

Hmm. Sadly this is often not true.

My exH got a better end of the deal financially, doesn’t have the kids as much as me so can do what he likes (which is one of the reasons we split) and has had a string of younger girlfriends.

Most men bounce back extremely well…

pineapplesundae · 26/06/2024 04:10

Put your foot down! Make him pull his weight around the home, including childcare, or he can hire help to do his share. You are working yourself to death. Stop it!

AltitudeCheck · 18/09/2024 20:49

Realise this thread is a little old but I wanted to share this as sometimes humour is a good way to make a point, why not show him this and tell him you're taking up a new hobby...

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=508552208460227

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